WWE News: Alexa Bliss opens up about how much she knew about Ronda Rousey's debut

What’s the story?

Ahead of her Raw Women's Championship defense inside the first ever Women's Elimination Chamber Match, Alexa Bliss opened up about Ronda Rousey's shock Royal Rumble appearance, as well as her own gimmick and how it felt being drafted so late when she initially made the switch from NXT to SmackDown Live in the WWE.

In case you didn’t know…

Alexa Bliss is one of only two women to have held both the RAW and SmackDown Women's Champions - beating Charlotte to the accolade only a year and change after being drafted to SmackDown Live as the 20th pick.

Bliss is currently the longest reigning RAW Women's Champion and looks set to defend her title at Wrestlemania against the undefeated Asuka if she can escape the first ever Women's Elimination Chamber Match with a win.

The heart of the matter

Speaking to the Las Vegas Review, Alexa Bliss spoke about Ronda Rousey showing up to close out the first ever Women's Royal Rumble Match - and how much she knew about it.

Nobody knew what was going on or that she was there. She came out, and it was definitely a surprise.

Commenting on Rousey's contract, Little Miss Bliss also spoke highly of the signing.

I think it's exciting that she comes to WWE because it brings a new fan base and a different dimension to WWE. It just shows it takes top athletes to do what we do, and the fact that one of UFC's top athletes wants to be in WWE, that's great.

Alexa Bliss' ring attire has drawn influence from the Suicide Squad incarnation of Harley Quinn

The Raw Women's Champion also spoke about her heel character - and one of her biggest influences when it comes to her gimmick and being a complete heel in WWE.

Harley Quinn is the one the fans gravitated to the most. I love portraying characters and being dramatic. My mom would say I've been dramatic my whole life. It's just so fun for me to see what I can really get away with with this character, and how far I can go with it when it comes to being mean.

Her unique attire coupled with incredible heel promos and emotional facial expressions have been key for Bliss becoming such a star on WWE television, but she makes no bones about being an underdog when she arrived.

When I was brought up to SmackDown, I was one of the underwhelming draft picks. I had to make the most out of every opportunity because a lot of times on WWE, if you don't deliver, those opportunities don't come back.

You can check out the full interview here.

What’s next?

Alexa Bliss defends her WWE Raw Women's Championship in the first ever Women's Elimination Chamber tonight against Sasha Banks, Bayley, Mickie James, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville.

If Bliss wins, she looks set to take on Asuka at WrestleMania. Asuka faces Nia Jax and if Jax defeats The Empress of Tomorrow, she too will be added to the match.

Author’s take

Well, there was a lot of speculation that no-one in the company really knew about Rousey appearing aside from those who had to know, so it's even cooler to know it was kept secret from people in the ring at the time.

Alexa Bliss has truly grabbed the brass ring since rocking up on the main roster, and it's pretty great to hear her speak so candidly about taking every chance she's had since being there.